13 replies to this topic

[Jerz]

I'm a Sea-doo noob and am planning on attending the Atlanta Boat Show next week to drool over the new Challenger 180SE 255HP... Why the 180 you ask? Well it's simple... It will fit in my garage... Of course I'll have to part with my 2008 Waverunner FX140 which I absolutely love. Unfortunately though my dog prefers a boat... So with that said I'm excited to see the 180SE without the wake tower since the boat would be a little too tall for garage storage. With that said I was wondering how good the stereo was... With the waverunner I woud always miss some tunes while cruising the lake. Also, there is not much talk about the itc feature which I believe is new to the 180 or the neutral lock... Does the impeller actually stop? How does the fuel consumption meter differ from the gas gauge? Is there a big difference between the 215HP model and the 255HP model? Anywy just curious to see if anyone has gotten their hands on one of these yet and what their impressions are.

[davo]

Hi, the stereo is adequate. Most owners will upgrade the stereo, myself included. The fuel gauges on earlier models are sometimes less than accurate. ie the fuel indicator will indicate full until about70 lts are left. My opinion, consider the fuel gauge to measure the last 70 lts & you'll be fine. Not sure about the new itc models though. Go for the 255 hp. You'll notice the extra boost when carrying more than 4 adults.
cheers

[moochy]

the 180 SP without a wake tower would be something you will need to remove yourself. (trust me i have asked the question!) Also keep in mind that the only diffrence between a 180 SP and a 180 Challenger is a very nice paint job, some orange detailing in the cabin and ski mode.

I had the option of getting a 180 SP as three are landing here in OZ shortly. but for a 10k premium i settled for a 2011 runout challenger 180 SE which is the same boat as the 2012 but lacks the itc controls.

Edited by moochy, 13 January 2012 - 05:50 AM.
Edited to correct to SP model rather than SE model

[Jerz]

The only reason I don't want the Wake Tower is because I don't have enough clearance to get in the garage with a 7' door and don't want to pay to store it. How hard is the wake tower to takeoff myself? If it's real easy I wouldn't mind taking it off to put in the garage.

Actually I think the SP is the one with the really nice paint job, orange detailing and ski mode. The 180SE as compared to the 180 has four speakers instead of two, the bimini top, the filler cushion in the front, stainless steel cupholders & pullup cleats, the option for the HO engine, 22 functions instead of 21 in the digital information center, cockpit and bow cover and snap in carpet.

I can't see spending the extra money on the SP either... I think I'll be very happy with the SE. I *thought* about a 2011 model but I like the new features of the 2012.

[Kevin Leclair]

The wakeboard tower does not need to be removed on the 180 SP, you just need a tool that can be purchased from SeaDoo to collapse it. When it is collapsed it folds forward toward the windshield. I would still double check the clearance because even with the tower collapsed it adds some addition height over the non tower on the 180 standard or 180 SE.

Here are some shots of the tower collapsed and the tool needed, this is the 230 SP pictured but the 180 SP would function very similar.

http://seadoosportbo...ils-tower-down/
http://seadoosportbo...-release-lever/

[Jerz]

Thanks Kevin for sharing that pic... I was looking at the spec sheet and with the tower down it seems it's still 7'-6" tall vs 6'-6" without a tower. With a 7' garage door I don't think it'll go unless I remove it or let the air out of the trailer tires.

http://www.sea-doo.n...hallengerSE.pdf

[Kellykidd9]

What are the differences between the 2011 and 2012 Sea-doo 180 SE challenger?

[Jerz]

What are the differences between the 2011 and 2012 Sea-doo 180 SE challenger?

The 2012 has:
ECO Mode
Cruise Control
Fuel Consumption Meter
Docking Mode
Intelligent Throttle Control
Neutral Lock
Circuit Breakers

Everything that is highlighted in red on the pdf that I posted the link to.

I have another question... Is there an advantage of having two motors instead of one on a 180SE?

[gverva]

. . . or the neutral lock... Does the impeller actually stop?

I have a 210 Challenger which introduced the iTC features. The neutral lock is just simply a result of changing from the mechanical throttle control from the 2011 to the electronic control with the iTC. In the 2011 model, you actually had two controls, one for throttle and one for "shifting" (fwd, neutral, rev). With iTC controls, there is only one control now that handles throttle and shifting. The lever locks in neutral position unlike the 2-lever setup. In any case, the impeller never stops.

How does the fuel consumption meter differ from the gas gauge?

My 210 has an analog fuel gauge as well as the fuel consumption meter. The fuel consumption meter will tell you the real-time fuel usage in GPH and as well as an overall average GPH.

[moochy]

I have a 210 Challenger which introduced the iTC features. The neutral lock is just simply a result of changing from the mechanical throttle control from the 2011 to the electronic control with the iTC. In the 2011 model, you actually had two controls, one for throttle and one for "shifting" (fwd, neutral, rev). With iTC controls, there is only one control now that handles throttle and shifting. The lever locks in neutral position unlike the 2-lever setup. In any case, the impeller never stops.

From what I can see the 2012 180 series still has the two lever system on both the challenger and SP. Anyone with a 2012 series know how neutral lock works with these models?

[gverva]

From what I can see the 2012 180 series still has the two lever system on both the challenger and SP. Anyone with a 2012 series know how neutral lock works with these models?

Thanks Moochy. I stand corrected. I would agree it does look like the 2 lever setup is still in use in the 2012. I just assumed they went to the single lever with the iTC.

[davo]

Jerz, if I was buying the c180 again, I wouldn't get the snap in carpet, don't worry about the stereo or tower or fancy electrics. After you get one, you'll want to upgrade the stereo, speakers & put in hydroturf. Most owners will agree. If these features cost more then add them yourself after the purchase. Cheers

[Jerz]

Thanks everyone... well it seems I've signed papers on a 210SE contingent on it fitting in my garage... just a little bit more than I wanted to spend... It's about 10k more than the 180se but has a TON more room; the 180 seemed a bit small to me. Of course it has two motors and the transat seats on the back...

[Kellykidd9]

Same here, went to the CT boat show last month and bought the 2012 180 SE challenger with upgraded 255 hp engine upgrade in red . Will be getting it in early May!!! Thanks for all your responses everyone!